Shadows Fall Interview with Matthew Blanchard

1/21/03

by Rebecca Clark

How does touring affect your voice? I mean you use a lot of awesome hardcore vocals!! But does it ever get to you?
SF:  For me its never really been a problem, I know that Brian doesn't have too much trouble either, although it is always nice to have a day off!  Depending on the situation sometimes it does get aggravated such as clubs filled with smoke and such.

Who or what inspires your writing?
SF: anything and everything from other music, literature, personal experiences, etc...  We try not to hold back on anything.

What do you think you would be doing now if your music career did not take off?
SF: Probably end up back at the mall selling shoes!  who knows maybe I will end up there if we don't do well. haha.

What do you hope your fans will take from your music?
SF:  All we ask is that they have a good time with it.  We are not trying to deliver any specific message at all.  We just hope they enjoy what we do and take elements from it that means something to them personally.

What goes through your head before you hit the stage?
SF: Wondering if I am going to puke from eating too much.  And hoping I brought enough beer with me.

What's the hardest thing to deal with when you are on tour?
SF:  The driving conditions, sleeping arrangements, food, just about everything!  It really is pretty difficult but we love it.

Do you have any favorite stops (places to eat ect.) when you are on tour?
SF:  CRACKER BARRELL!!!

What was the hardest track to lay down on The Art Of Balance?
SF: I wouldn't say anything was particularly difficult since we spent several months on pre-production.  We were very prepared..  but if I had to pick I would say "art of balance" or "fire in babylon".

How do you pick your set list before a show? Same every night or do you change it?
SF:  we pretty much just play whatever we have rehearsed.  On any particular tour we usually stick to the same set and occasionally throw a few extras in the mix.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
SF:  Hopefully still writing and performing.  Id say we would all like to do this for a living.

Was there more pressure in recording/writing The Art of Balance than One of Blood? Did you have any goals before recording it?
SF:   definitely, mainly because during most of the writing process we did not have a drummer.  That made sessions pretty tough but we made it work.  Brian sat in on the drums to help the writing move along and it went fairly smoothly.  We just wanted to make the best record we could.

How was your tour in Japan? How is the Metal scene over there vs the US?
SF:  It was amazing.  The metal scene is very much alive there and the energy from the crowds is hardly matched.

Do you currently have any plans for the next single or tour?
SF:  We head back to Japan with killswitch engage in late Feb. 2003 and we will see what happens after that.  We plan to tour throughout the year.

I am not familiar with your first album, but did your new drummer change or influence your sound on The At Of Balance at all?
SF:  I wouldn't say it changed it but it made things go a lot smoother during recording processes and live shows.  The hardest part was actually finding him, but we are very comfortable now.

Being an underground band your following seems to be pretty incredible! How does it feel to have such a strong fan base without the help of MTV and all the other music TV stations out there?
SF:  It feels great! hopefully it will keep moving on and other bands will get the same kind of attention.

What do you think sets you apart from all the rest of the metal bands out there?
SF: we will drink 4 cases of beer instead of 2.

From what I have heard of your old music TAOB seems to be a bit more melodic. Has any of your fans gave you any crap for being more melodic on this album?
SF:  No, in fact a lot of people say its less melodic.. haha.  I have no idea each persons opinion varies so much its hard of get a straight answer.  of course some people who were into us before do not like TAOB but that is true for most bands out there.  I say change is good.

What is in your CD player right now?
SF:  Elton john, hate eternal, sanctuary, immolation, and hatebreed.

Are there any other up and coming bands that you are a fan of and wish would have more attention?
SF:   there are too many to name.  any band busting their ass to make it deserves attention I don't care what style you are.  they all deserve a shot, its hard work.

Do you have any advice for fans or artist wanting to be in a band?
SF:  don't give up, its not easy.

Any last words?

SF:  thank you very much and see you all on tour!! 

www.shadowsfall.com

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